White Toenails

It's very traumatic to see white spots on your toenails. This discoloration of the toenail happens due to a various reasons. The toenails are white either because of fungus in the nail or because of trauma caused to the nail. These are the two most common reasons for white toenails. However, in very rare cases, liver diseases, poisoning or renal failure could also lead to white toenails and other toenail problems. Let us look into the various causes for white toenails and also look at how are they to be treated.

Fungus: Fungus gets into the nail through the various cracks in nail. In humid and moist conditions, the chances of getting a fungal infection in the nail are very high. This white toenail fungus later leads to discolored toenails where the toenails become yellow and later brown. This infection in the form of a small dot which gradually increases to cover the entire nail as the fungus spreads throughout the nail. The toenail fungus makes the surface of the nail very rough and eventually the nail starts crumbling. This condition is very painful and there may be a foul smell coming from the nails, in severe cases. These are the most common toenail fungus symptoms. Preventing nail fungus is not difficult. It is necessary to change your socks daily, ensure that you are not barefoot in public places and it is necessary to treat the cuts on the toes to avoid it getting infected. If the fungal infection is not treated on time, the infection might increase and spread to all the other toenails.

Trauma: This is not a serious problem, however, it needs to be treated. The toenail suffers from trauma when something heavy falls over it, or when there is excessive pressure on the toenails. These white spots on toenails disappears after some days with the growth of the nail.

Treatment

If the toenails have become white due to trauma, then there might not be any need to treat as the spot will go away when the nail grows. However, treatments are necessary for fungal infections. When you see a white spot on the toenail and if it is growing, go to the doctor without any delay. The doctor will prescribe medications which will be both, oral and topical. This toenail fungus treatment will go on for about 10 to 12 weeks. Another point is that it is vital to trim the nail properly. If you cannot do it, go to the foot specialist and get the nails trimmed. Keep the toes dry and make it a point to use bacteria spray to clean the inside of your shoes. Change your socks daily and wipe your legs dry after your bath. Avoid wearing shoes in your home, you can move barefooted inside the home or wear slippers which will ensure that your toes are dry. If you sweat excessively, then use some good foot powder. This foot powder will keep toenails and the place between the toes dry. In some cases, the toenail fungus may have to be treated with the help of laser treatments. In worst cases, which are rare if all the precautions and medications are taken, permanent removal of the nail surgically could be the only option.

Home Remedies

There are several natural toenail fungus treatments that you can follow at home to get rid of the fungus before it spreads. Using tea tree oil for toenail fungus after trimming the toenails will help the nail to become soft and the toenail will absorb more of the medication which will enable it to cure faster. Rubbing alcohol is also a tried and tested toenail fungus home remedies. A pedicure with hydrogen peroxide is another nail fungus cure and an excellent home remedy.

People with diabetes should take immediate infected toenail treatments as they are at a greater risk of the fungal infection spreading due to their erratic blood sugar levels. People who are on high medications are also at the risk of spreading the infection beyond their feet as their immune system is suppressed. If left untreated, this infection becomes a chronic bacterial infection or skin disorder. Regular nail care at home eliminates the possibility of suffering from nail fungus and other problems. Do not ignore the fungus as it becomes very messy and painful to deal with later on.